Electronic Height Control System For A Vehicle With Multiple Input Signals

ABSTRACT

A control system for controlling the ride height of a vehicle, the system including a controller that receives and processes multiple variable inputs to provide enhanced ride height control. The inputs include a brake system signal including an Automatic Braking System (ABS) signal and/or an Electronic Braking System (EBS) signal, a remote setpoint signal and/or a fluid dump signal. The system also provides for measuring the actual ride height, filtering the measured ride height, determining if the filter ride height signal exceeds a threshold level, and adjusting the ride height accordingly.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to a vehicle suspension system andspecifically to an electronic height control system for controlling theride height of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vehicle suspension systems with mechanically linked and actuated heightcontrol valves are well known. FIG. 1 illustrates such a trailing armsuspension 10 in combination with a height control valve 12. Thetrailing arm suspension 10 comprises opposing trailing arm assemblies 11mounted on opposite sides of the vehicle, preferably to the vehicleframe rails 16. Each of the trailing arm assemblies includes a trailingarm 14 having one end pivotally connected to a hanger bracket 18 by apivotal connection 20. The hanger bracket is suspended from the vehicleframe rail 16. The other end of the trailing arm 14 mounts to an airspring 22, which is affixed to the frame rail 16. The air spring 22dampens the pivotal rotation of the trailing arm 14 about the hangerbracket 18 relative to the frame rail 16.

An axle assembly 28 typically spans and mounts to, or is carried by, thetrailing arms 14. The axle assembly 28 rotatably mounts ground-engagingwheels (not shown). Any movement of the wheels in response to theircontact with the ground will result in a rotation of the trailing arms14, which is resisted by the air springs 22.

The air springs 22 typically comprise an air bag 24 and a piston 26. Thepiston 26 is mounted to the trailing arm 14 and the air bag 24 connectsthe piston to the frame. Pressurized fluid can be introduced orexhausted to adjust the dampening performance of the air spring.Additionally, the volume of air in the air spring can be adjusted toalter the height of the frame rails relative to the trailing arms.Often, there is a preferred or reference ride height for the vehicleand, depending on the load carried by the vehicle or the operatingenvironment, the actual or current ride height can vary over time.Pressurized air is introduced to or exhausted from the air bags toadjust the relative height of the trailer frame rail with respect to thetrailing arms to maintain the ride height at the reference height for aparticular load or environmental condition.

The adjustment of the ride height is accomplished by the height controlvalve 13, which has an inlet port, an operation port, and an exhaustport. The inlet port is fluidly connected to a source of pressurized airfor the vehicle. The operation port is fluidly connected to the air bags24 of the air springs and, the exhaust port is fluidly connected to theatmosphere. The height control valve controls the fluid connection ofthe operation port with the inlet port and the exhaust port to introduceor exhaust air from the air spring to thereby adjust the vehicle height.

The height control valve is typically mounted to the vehicle frame 16and has a rotatable lever arm 32 that is operably connected to thetrailing arm 14 through an adjustable rod 34, whereby any movement ofthe trailing arm 14 results into a corresponding movement of the leverarm to move the valve and connect the operation port to either of theinlet port or exhaust.

A traditional height control valve has three positions: an inflateposition, a neutral position, and an exhaust position in the inflateposition, the lever arm 32 is rotated up and the operation port isconnected to the inlet port. In the neutral position, 20 the lever arm32 is generally horizontal and the operation port is not connected toeither the inlet or exhaust ports. In the exhaust position, the leverarm is rotated down and the operation port is connected to the exhaustport.

The various height control valves currently available can be operated ona time delay or can respond instantly to changes in height. The valvestructure for these valves typically includes multiple spring biasedpistons or similar elements that seal the various ports in response tothe relative movement of the trailing arm. Examples of this type ofheight control valve are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,161,579, issuedNov. 10, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 5,560,591, issued Oct. 1, 1996; and U.S.Pat. No. 5,375,819, issued Dec. 27, 1994.

The most commonly used height control valves, regardless of their valvestructure, are subject to damage because of the mechanical couplingbetween the trailing arm and the height control valve. The mechanicalcoupling is directly exposed to the environment of the trailing armsuspension, which can be very harsh. Additionally, most of themechanically operated valves are susceptible to “freezing” if not usedregularly.

In response to the disadvantages of the mechanically actuated andcontrolled height control valves, electronically controlled and actuatedheight control systems have been developed. These electronicallycontrolled systems typically use various sensors to monitor the vehicleheight position and use electrically actuated valves, such as solenoidvalves, to control the introduction and exhaustion of air from the airsprings. One such system is taught in U.S. Patent Publication No.2002/0096840 (“Sulzyc et al.”), which is directed toward a controlsystem for lifting and lowering the body of an air-suspended vehicleincluding level control. Sulzyc et al. discloses a system that includesredundant supply lines such that both electronic and mechanical heightcontrol may be used. However, the system taught in Sulzyc et al. failsto address the need of providing an electronic controller that canreceive, process and act upon numerous input signals facilitating safeand accurate vehicle ride height adjustment. For example, Sulzyc et al.fails to provide for inputs for a remotely entered ride-height setpoint,or for a fluid dump signal, or for a braking system signal, such as, anAutomatic Braking System (ABS) input or an Electronic Braking System(EBS) input.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is desired to provide an electronic height controlsystem that provides for enhanced control of the vehicle suspensionsystem.

To that end, an electronic ride height control system for a suspensionthat supports an axle which carries ground-engaging wheels relative tovehicle has been provided. The electronic height control systemmaintains ride the vehicle at a reference height relative to the ground.The suspension comprises a height sensor that senses the current vehicleride height and generates an output signal representative of the currentride height. An inflatable air bag is operably coupled between the axleand the vehicle whereby the introduction and exhaustion of air into andfrom the air bag increases and decreases, respectively, the relativedistance between the axle and the vehicle to adjust the vehicle rideheight. A source of pressurized air is provided for use in inflating theair bag. The valve selectively fluidly couples the air bag to the sourceof pressurized air or atmosphere to thereby introduce or exhaust airfrom the air bag, respectively.

The ride height control system is characterized by a valve actuatorcoupled to the height sensor and to the valve wherein the valve actuatorreceives as an input, the height sensor output signal and selectivelyactuates the valve between a neutral position, where the air bag is notfluidly connected to either the source of pressurized air or atmosphere,a fill position, where the air bag is fluidly connected to the source ofpressurized air to introduce air into the air bag, and an exhaustposition, where the air bag is fluidly connected to atmosphere toexhaust air from the air bag. By fluidly coupling the air bag to eitherof the source of pressurized air or atmosphere, the valve actuatorenables the ride height control system to adjust the vehicle ride heightrelative to the reference ride height.

The valve actuator preferably comprises a controller that is programmedwith control logic. The controller uses the height sensor output signalin combination with the control logic to actuate the valve to adjust theride height. A motor can be provided with the valve actuator and isoperably coupled to the controller and connected to the valve, wherebythe controller actuates the motor to selectively actuate the valve.

The motor preferably includes an output gear that is enmeshed with atransfer gear mounted to the valve annulment such that the actuation ofthe motor rotates the output gear to rotate the transfer gear andthereby move the valve between the fill and exhaust positions. The motoris preferably reversible and the controller operates the motor in afirst direction to move the valve into the fill position and in a seconddirection to move the valve into the exhaust position. In oneadvantageous embodiment, it is contemplated that the output gear be aworm gear.

The sensor output signal is preferably a voltage signal that carrieswith it a positive or negative sign and the controller uses the sign ofthe voltage signal to determine the direction of operation of the motor.The control logic is such that the controller preferably maintains thevehicle ride height at the reference ride height. The controller usesthe voltage signal sign as indicating whether the vehicle is above orbelow the reference ride height.

The controller may comprise, for example, any type of microprocessordevice, programmable or configurable logic device(s) and combinationsthereof, including for example, configurable gate arrays and the like,suitable for processing the sensor output and generating a controlsignal for actuating the valve. In addition, in one aspect of thepresent invention, the controller is provided to accept multiple inputsfrom various sources including, inputs for a remotely enteredride-height setpoint, or for a fluid dump signal, or for a brakingsystem signal, such as, an Automatic Braking System (ABS) input or anElectronic Braking System (EBS) input to provide for enhanced control ofthe vehicle suspension system.

The valve preferably comprises an inlet port for connecting to thesource of pressurized air, an air bag port for fluidly connecting to theair bag, an exhaust port for fluidly connecting to atmosphere, and arotatable valve element having a control passage that selectivelyfluidly connects the air bag port to the inlet port or the exhaust portupon rotation of the valve element. The valve can also include a valvehousing that defines an interior chamber to which the inlet port, airbag port, and exhaust port or fluidly connected.

The valve element can fluidly separate the inlet port and the exhaustport. In such a configuration, the pressurized air entering the housingfrom the inlet port will bias the valve element into sealing abutmentagainst the valve housing. The valve element is preferably a rotatabledisc and can reside on a fixed disc mounted to the housing. Therotatable and fixed discs may, in one embodiment, comprise ceramic orother similar materials.

The height sensor is preferably a transducer including an optical sensorarrangement such as a light emitting diode or a laser and an opticalencoder, a variable-capacitance sensor, a Hall Effect sensor such as avariable resistance sensor or a magnetostrictive sensor, an ultra-sonicsensor, or combinations thereof.

In another aspect, the invention relates to an adjustable heightsuspension for a vehicle. The suspension comprises an axle that carriesground-engaging wheels which are adapted to be movably mounted to thevehicle. A height sensor is provided that senses the current vehicleride height and generates an output signal representative of the currentride height. An inflatable air bag is operably coupled between the axleon the vehicle whereby the introduction and exhaustion of air to andfrom the air bag increases and decreases, respectively, the relativedistance between the axle and the vehicle to adjust the vehicle rideheight. A source of pressurized air is used for inflating the air bag. Avalve is provided for selectively fluidly coupling the air bag to thesource of pressurized air or atmosphere to thereby introduce or exhaustair from the air bag, respectively.

The adjustable height suspension includes a valve actuator coupled tothe height sensor and the valve, wherein the valve actuator receives asinput the height sensor output signal and selectively actuates the valvebetween a neutral position, where the air bag is not connected to eitherthe source of pressurized air or atmosphere, a fill position, were theair bag is fluidly connected to the source of pressurized air tointroduce air into the air bag, and an exhaust position, were the airbag is fluidly connected to atmosphere to exhaust air from the air bagand thereby adjust the ride height based on the current ride heightsensed by the height sensor.

As used herein, the terms “coupled”, “coupled to”, and “coupled with” asused herein each mean a relationship between or among two or moredevices, apparatus, files, programs, media, components, networks,systems, subsystems, and/or means, constituting any one or more of (a) aconnection, whether direct or through one or more other devices,apparatus, files, programs, media, components, networks, systems,subsystems, or means, (b) a communications relationship, whether director through one or more other devices, apparatus, files, programs, media,components, networks, systems, subsystems, or means, and/or (c) afunctional relationship in which the operation of any one or moredevices, apparatus, files, programs, media, components, networks,systems, subsystems, or means depends, in whole or in part, on theoperation of any one or more others thereof.

The term “data” as used herein means any indicia, signals, marks,symbols, domains, symbol sets, representations, and any other physicalform or forms representing information, whether permanent or temporary,whether visible, audible, acoustic, electric, magnetic, electromagneticor otherwise manifested. The term “data” as used to representpredetermined information in one physical form shall be deemed toencompass any and all representations of the same predeterminedinformation in a different physical form or forms.

The term “network” as used herein includes both networks andinternetworks of all kinds, including the Internet, and is not limitedto any particular network or inter-network.

In one example, an electronic suspension system for a vehicle isprovided comprising a sensor that senses a distance between a vehicleaxle and a vehicle frame and generates a sensor signal indicating avehicle ride height relative to a reference ride height, and a valvehaving an inlet port coupled to a source of pressurized fluid, anoperating port coupled to a fluid bag positioned between the vehicleaxle and the vehicle frame, and an exhaust port coupled to atmosphere.The system further comprises a motor coupled to said valve forselectively actuating the valve between a fill position where the inletport is fluidly coupled to the operating port, an exhaust position wherethe operating port is fluidly coupled to the exhaust port, and a neutralposition where the respective ports are fluidly isolated from eachother, and a suspension controller coupled to said sensor and receivingthe sensor signal, said suspension controller coupled to said motor. Thesystem still further comprises a master controller coupled to saidsuspension controller, and a plurality of inputs provided to said mastercontroller. The plurality of inputs comprise, a brake system signalgenerated by a brake system and coupled to said master controller, saidbrake system signal selected from the group consisting of: an AutomaticBraking System (ABS) signal, an Electronic Braking System (EBS) signaland combinations thereof, a fluid dump signal indicative of an action todump fluid from the fluid bag, and a remotely entered ride-heightsetpoint. The system is provided such that the master controllertransmits a function/mode signal to said suspension controller basedupon at least one of the plurality of inputs, which said suspensioncontroller uses to determine a mode of operation, and when the fluiddump is received by the master controller, the function/mode signal sentto the suspension controller comprises a signal to cause said suspensioncontroller to dump fluid from the air bag. Finally, the system isprovided such that when said suspension controller receives the signalindicative of a fluid dump, said suspension controller causes said valveto fully open such that the exhaust port fluidly coupled to the fluidbag and fluid is exhausted from the fluid bag.

In another example, a method for controlling a vehicle suspension isprovided comprising the steps of, coupling a sensor to a controller,measuring a vehicle ride height with the sensor and generating a streamof ride height data indicative thereof, and transmitting the stream ofride height data to the controller. The method further comprises thesteps of, coupling a motor to the controller, coupling the motor to avalve, the valve having ports coupled to a source of pressurized fluid,a fluid bag and to atmosphere, and analyzing the stream of ride heightdata to monitor high and low frequency changes in the vehicle rideheight. The method still further comprises the steps of, filtering outdata points associated with periodic changes in the vehicle ride height,and comparing the filtered ride height data against a threshold value todetermine if the filtered ride height data exceeds the threshold level.Finally, the method comprises the step of, selectively actuating themotor to selectively move the valve based on the filtered ride heightdata to couple between: the source of pressurized fluid and the fluidbag in a fill position, to fluid bag and atmosphere in an exhaustposition, and to fluid isolate the source of pressurized fluid, thefluid bag and atmosphere from each other in a neutral position.

Other objects of the invention and its particular features andadvantages will become more apparent from consideration of the followingdrawings and accompanying detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevational side view of a prior art trailing armsuspension incorporating a known mechanically controlled and actuatedheight control valve;

FIG. 2 is an elevational side view of a trailing arm suspension with aheight control system according to the invention comprising a heightsensor coupled to a motorized height control valve by a controller;

FIG. 3 is a partially cut away end view taken along 3-3 of FIG. 2illustrating the mechanical connection between the height sensor and thetrailing arm suspension;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the sensor in FIGS. 2 and 3 andillustrating a light emitter for the sensor in a reference positionrelative to an optical bridge of a light sensor assembly;

FIG. 5 is identical to FIG. 4 except that the light emitter is shown inan alternative position relative to the optical bridge;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a motorized height controlvalve according to the invention with a portion of the housing removedfor clarity;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the height control valve housing of FIG. 6 withthe cover and valve assembly removed for clarity;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7 illustrating,the flow 20 paths through the housing;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a stationary shear disk of thevalve assembly in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a dynamic shear disk of the valveassembly of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view illustrating the height control valve ofFIG. 7 in a neutral position;

FIG. 12 is a schematic view illustrating the height control valve ofFIG. 7 in a fill position;

FIG. 13 is a schematic view illustrating the height control valve ofFIG. 7 in 30 an exhaust position;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the control according to the invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates a second embodiment height sensor according to theinvention;

FIG. 16 illustrates a trailing arm suspension incorporating a thirdembodiment height sensor according to the invention;

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the third embodiment height sensor;

FIG. 18 is a sectional view of a fourth embodiment height sensoraccording to the invention;

FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 18 for thethird embodiment height sensor;

FIG. 20 illustrates a fifth embodiment height sensor according to theinvention;

FIG. 21 illustrates a sixth embodiment height sensor according to theinvention in the context of a shock absorber;

FIG. 22 illustrates a seventh embodiment height sensor according to theinvention; and

FIG. 23 is a sectional view taken along line 23-23 of FIG. 22.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designatecorresponding structure throughout the views.

FIG. 2 illustrates a trailing arm suspension 110 according to theinvention. The trailing arm suspension comprises a pair (only one shown)of trailing arm assemblies 112 mounted to a vehicle frame 114 andincorporating a motorized height control valve 116 according to theinvention. The trailing arm assembly 112 comprises a trailing arm 118having one end pivotally mounted through a bushed connection 120 to aframe bracket 122 depending from the vehicle frame 114. An air spring124 comprising a piston 126 mounted to a portion of the trailing arm 118and an airbag 128 mounted to the frame 114 through a plate 130 connectsthe trailing arm 118 to the vehicle frame 114. An axle bracket 132 ismounted to the trailing arm 118 between the frame bracket 122 and theair spring 124 by a pair of bushed connectors 134. The axle bracketmounts an axle 136 to which the ground engaging wheels (not shown) ofthe vehicle are rotatably mounted. A shock absorber 138 extends betweenthe axle bracket 132 and the frame bracket 122.

Although the basic operation of a trailing arm suspension is widelyknown, a brief summary may be useful in understanding the followingdisclosure. As the wheels (not shown) of the vehicle encounter changesin the road surface, they apply a reactive force to the trailing arm118, pivoting the trailing arm 118 relative to the frame bracket 122 andthe vehicle frame 114. The pivoting movement of the trailing arm 118 isdampened by the air spring 124.

In addition to dampening the rotational movement of the trailing arm118, the air spring 124 is also used to adjust the height of the frame114 relative to the ground. For example, assuming static conditions, asair is introduced into the airbag 128, the vehicle frame 114 is raisedrelative to the trailing arm 118, since the trailing arm 118 iseffectively fixed relative to the ground because of the contact betweenthe ground engaging wheels. Similarly, if pressurized air is exhaustedfrom the airbag 128 the vehicle frame 114 will lower in height relativeto the ground.

An anti-creep device 140 is provided on the vehicle frame 114 andfunctions to limit the rotation of the trailing arm 118 during loading,which lowers the height of the vehicle frame. This phenomenon is knownas trailer creep in the art and occurs because the air supply to the airsprings is typically shut off during loading. As more weight is added tothe trailer, the air spring cannot be inflated to counter the increaseweight, resulting in the lowering of the frame. As the frame lowers, thetrailing arm is effectively pivoted about the bushed connection, whichresults in the wheels rotating and causing the trailer to move away fromthe dock.

The anti-creep device 140 comprises a stop arm 142 that is rotatablymounted to the vehicle frame 114. The stop arm can be rotated from aretracted position (as shown in phantom lines) to an extended position,where the end of the stop arm 142 is positioned above the trailing arm118 and limits the upward rotation of the trailing arm 118 relative tothe vehicle frame. The movement of the stop arm 142 between theretracted and extended positions is typically controlled by a pneumaticactuator (not shown) that is responsive to the introduction orexhaustion of pressurized air from the actuator. This type of anti-creepdevice 140 is well known and will not be described in further detail.

A height control sensor 144 is mounted to the frame bracket 122 and isoperably connected to the trailing arm 118 so that the sensor 144monitors the orientation of the trailing arm and outputs a signalcorresponding to that orientation. The height control sensor 144 iselectrically coupled to the motorized height control valve 116 to supplythe height control valve 116 with a signal indicating the position ofthe trailing arm.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the sensor 144 is fixedly mounted to theinterior of the frame bracket 122 and mechanically coupled to the bushedconnector 120 through a link 146. The frame bracket 122 has opposingsidewalls 148 that are connected by an end wall 150. The bushedconnector 120 comprises an outer sleeve 152 that is press-fit within thetrailing arm 118 and inner sleeve 154 that is concentrically receivedwithin the outer sleeve 152. An annulus of elastomeric material 155 iscompressively retained between the outer sleeve 152 and the inner sleeve154. The ends of the inner sleeve 154 abut the inner surfaces of thesidewall 148 respectively. A mounting bolt 156 compressively mounts thesidewall 148 against the ends of the inner sleeve 154 to fix the innersleeve relative to the frame bracket 122. With this construction, thepivotal movement of the trailing arm results in the rotation of theouter sleeve 152 relative to the inner sleeve 154. The rotation isaccomplished by the elastomeric annulus 155, which enables the outersleeve 152 to rotate relative to the inner sleeve 154.

The sensor 144 contains an external shaft 160 that is coupled to thelink 146, which is connected to the outer sleeve 152. The link 146 canhave any suitable shape so long as the rotational movement of the outersleeve is correspondingly transferred to the rotation of the externalshaft 160. For example, the link can comprise arms 162, 164 which areconnected by one of the arms having a pin that is received in a slot inthe end of the other arm, thereby the rotational movement of the outersleeve is correspondingly transferred to the external shaft 160 of thesensor 144 while accommodating any relative vertical movement betweenthe anus 162, 164.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a preferred form of the sensor 144. The sensor144 comprises a light emitter 170 that is mounted to the external shaft160. The light emitter 170 preferably is formed from a solid block 172of metal or plastic having a light source chamber 174 and a lightpassage 176 optically connecting the light chamber 174 to the exteriorof the light emitter 170. A light source 178, such as a light emittingdiode or a laser, is positioned within the light chamber 174 and emitslight that exits the block 172 through the light passage 176 along pathA.

The height sensor 144 further includes a light sensor assembly 190comprising a light-tight housing 192 having an open end in which isfixedly placed a diffusing element 194, such as frosted glass. A lightdetector in the form of an optical bridge 196 is positioned within thelight-tight housing 192 behind the defusing element 194. The opticalbridge 196 includes two spaced sensors 198, 200, which can bephotoconductive cells or photodiode detectors. Each light sensor outputsa voltage signal representative of the intensity of the light theyreceive. The voltage signals and their differences are used to assess achange in the vehicle height. The optical bridge 196 is preferably aWheatstone bridge circuit using photoconductive cells in either a halfbridge (2 cells) or a full bridge (4 cells) arrangement.

The operation of the light sensor 144 is best described by reference toFIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 illustrates the position of the light emitter 170when the vehicle is at the reference ride height. It should be notedthat although FIG. 4 illustrates the light emitter 170 being orientedsubstantially perpendicular to the light sensor assembly 190 when thevehicle is at the reference ride height, the light emitter 170 can beoriented at an angle relative to the light sensor assembly 90 toestablish the reference ride height.

In the reference position shown in FIG. 4, the light emitter 170 emits abeam of light along path A. As the beam of light contacts the diffuserelement 194 of the light sensor assembly 190, rays of diffused lightcontact the spaced light sensors 198. The rays of light travel adistance D1 and D2 from the diffuser element 194 to the light sensors198, 200, respectively. The distance the light travels impacts theintensity of the light as seen by the light sensors, resulting in acorresponding voltage output from the sensors.

Referring to FIG. 5, if the height of the vehicle is changed, such as byloading or unloading product from the vehicle, the trailing arm 118 willrotate relative to the frame bracket 122, resulting in a correspondingrotation of the outer sleeve 152, which results in a correspondingrotation of the external shaft 160 of the height sensor 144. As theheight sensor external shaft 160 rotates, the light emitter 170 isrotated into a new position and the light beam A strikes the diffuserelement 194 at a different location. The rays of light emanating fromthe diffuser element 194 and entering the light sensors 198 now musttravel through distances D3 and D4. As can be seen by comparison withthe distances D1, D2, the distance D3 for the light ray to enter thesensor 198 is less than the previous distance D1. Conversely, thedistance D4 is greater than the distance D2 for the light to enter lightsensor 200. The result of the change in the position of the lightemitter 170 from FIG. 4 to FIG. 5 results in the sensor 198 receiving ahigher intensity light and the sensor 100 receiving a lower intensitylight. The change in the intensity corresponds to a change in thevoltage output signal of the light sensors 198, 200. The change in theoutput signals from the sensors, 198, 200 is directly related to therotational change in the trailing arm 118 relative to the vehicle frame114 and provides a measure for the change in height of the vehicle fromthe predetermined position. The output from the light sensors 198, 200can be used to control the introduction and exhaustion of pressurizedair into the air springs to raise or lower the vehicle frame until thelight emitter 170 is rotated back to the reference position.

FIG. 6 illustrates the components of the motorized height control valve116 according to the invention. The motorized height control valve 116comprises a two-piece housing having a base 202 and a cover 204, whichis shown removed from the base 202. The base 202 is functionally dividedinto two portions: an electrical connection portion 206 and a fluidcontrol portion 208. The electrical connection portion 206 comprises aninput/output interface 210, which has the necessary electricalconnections to connect the height control sensor 144 and any othersensors. The fluid control portion 208 comprises a valve assembly 212and a fluid manifold 214, having an inlet port 216 and an operation port218. An exhaust port 220 is provided on the opposite side of the base202 than the inlet port 216 and the operation port 218. The valveassembly 212 controls the flow of fluid to and from the operation port218 from either the inlet port 216 or to the exhaust port 220 to therebycontrol the introduction and exhaustion of pressurized air to and fromair spring 124.

A valve actuator 222 is operably connected to the valve assembly 212.The valve actuator 222 comprises an electric motor 224 having an outputshaft 226 on which is mounted a drive gear 228. A transfer gear 230 iscoupled to the drive gear 228 and has a control shaft 232 that iscoupled to the valve assembly, whereby the actuation of the motor 224rotates the drive gear 228, which through the transfer gear fluidcommunication between the operation port 218 and either the inlet port216 or the exhaust port 220.

A controller 240 is also provided within the motorized height controlvalve 116. The controller 240 may be formed by circuit board 242 onwhich the motor 224 and transfer gear 230 are mounted. A microprocessor244 is provided on the circuit board 242 and is electrically coupled tothe input output interface 210 and to the motor 224. A valve positionsensor 246 is also provided on the circuit board 242 and is electricallycoupled to the processor 244. The valve position sensor 246 includes anactuator 248 located on the valve assembly 212.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the base 202 is shown with the valveassembly 212 removed. The base 202 comprises an interior chamber 260,open on one side for receiving the valve assembly. The interior chamber260 is partially defined by an interior housing side wall 262 and aninterior peripheral wall 264, which extends away from the side wall 262.An air supply conduit 266 and an air spring conduit 268 extend from thechamber 260 to the inlet port 216 and the operation port 218,respectively. The air supply conduit forms a slot-like opening 266A inthe peripheral wall 264. The air spring conduit forms an opening 268A inthe wall 262. An exhaust conduit 270 extends from the exterior of thebase 202 to exhaust port 220.

The air supply conduit 266 is adapted to fluidly connect a source ofpressurized air to the interior chamber 260. The air spring conduit 268fluidly connects the interior chamber 260 to the air bag 128. Theexhaust conduit 270 fluidly connects the chamber 260 to the atmosphere.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the valve assembly 212 comprises a shearvalve including a static shear disk 272 and a dynamic disk 273. Thestatic disk 272 has an axial passage in the form of an opening 274 and afluid passage in the form of an orifice 276, both of which extendthrough the disk 272. The static shear disk 272 includes blind alignmentopenings 278 and 280 that receive positioning studs 282 and 284extending from the base 202 into the interior chamber 260 to align thestatic shear disk 272 relative to the base 202 so that orifice 276aligns with the opening 268A of the air spring conduit 268. The axialopening 274 aligns with the exhaust conduit. 270. Thus, the orifice 276and the axial opening. 274 establish fluid communication between theupper surface of the static disk 272 and the operation port 218 and theexhaust port 220.

Referring to FIG. 10, the dynamic shear disk 273 is viewed from itslower surface. The dynamic shear disk 273 is positioned within theinterior chamber 260 of the base 202 so that the lower surface of thedynamic shear disk is in abutting relationship with the upper surface ofthe static, shear disk 270. The dynamic shear disk 273 comprises asector portion 282 from which extends a circular lobe 284. A passage inthe form of a generally T-shaped recess 286 is formed in the dynamicshear disk 273 and comprises an arcuate portion 288 and a channel 290.The arcuate portion 288 is predominantly located in the sector portion282 and includes opposing outlet profile slots 294. An inlet profileslot 296 is provided on the exterior side of the sector portion 282 andcorresponds with one of the outlet profile slots 294. A blind slot 298is formed in the upper surface of the dynamic shear disk 273 and issized to receive the end of the control shaft 232.

When assembled, the orifice 276 of the shear disk 272 will lie betweenone of the pairs of outlet profile slots 294 and inlet profile slots296. The blind slot 298 receives a lower end of the control shaft 232.The channel 290 fluidly connects the arcuate portion 288 and the outletprofile slots to the exhaust port 220 through the exhaust conduit 270.

FIGS. 11-13 illustrate the three major operational positions of theshear valve: fill position, neutral position, and exhaust position. Forpurposes of this description, it will be assumed that the height controlvalve begins in the neutral position. In the neutral position shown inFIG. 11, the dynamic shear disk 273 is oriented relative to the sheardisk 272 such that the shear disk orifice 276 is positioned between theinterior slot 294 and the exterior slot 296 and in abutting relationshipwith the dynamic shear disk 273, effectively sealing the opening 268A ofthe air spring conduit 268 and blocking fluid communication from eitherthe air supply port 266 or exhaust conduit 270 to the air spring conduit268.

If for any reason there is relative movement of the trailing arm 118towards the vehicle frame 114, such as an increase in the loading of thetrailer, the valve 116 is moved to the fill position as illustrated inFIG. 12 to introduce air into air bag 128 to raise the vehicle frame 114relative to the trailing arm 118. As viewed in FIG. 12, under suchconditions, the motor 224 rotates the dynamic shear disk 273 so that theorifice 276 moves into fluid communication with the exterior slot 296 toopen the air spring conduit 268 to the interior chamber 260. Since theinterior chamber 260 is constantly exposed to the air supply port 266,pressurized air will be directed into the air spring conduit 268 andintroduce pressurized air into air springs 124.

If the trailing arm 118 and vehicle frame 114 moves away relative toeach other, such as in the unloading of goods from the trailer, air mustbe exhausted from air bags 128 to move vehicle frame 114 back to itsreference height. As viewed in FIG. 13, under such circumstances thevalve is moved to the exhaust position by the motor 224 moving thedynamic shear disk 273 relative to the shear disk 272, so that theinterior slot 294 is brought into fluid communication with the orifice276. In the exhaust position, the air spring conduit 268 is in fluidcommunication with the exhaust conduit 270 through the channel 290.

FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of the height control system for thesuspension 110 and shows the interconnection between a master vehiclecontroller 300, the suspension controller 240, height sensor 144, andvalve assembly 212. The schematic also includes a sensor 302 for thesensing the position of the arms 142 of the anti-creep device. An airreservoir 304 is provided and supplies pressurized air to the suspensionair system and the brake air system.

The master vehicle controller 300 controls the operation of many of thevehicles operational features. The controller may comprise, for example,any type of microprocessor device, programmable or configurable logicdevice(s), including for example, configurable gate arrays and the like,suitable for processing the sensor output and generating a controlsignal for actuating the valve. In a preferred embodiment, mastervehicle controller 300 comprises a microprocessor.

The master vehicle controller 300 is typically connected to multiplediscrete controllers, each of which may comprise a microprocessor, or aprogrammable or configurable logic device(s) as described above. Themultiple discrete controllers control the operation of a particularoperational feature, such as, for example, the suspension controller240. The master vehicle controller 300 includes a power conduit 310 thatsupplies power to the suspension controller 240. Data connections 312,314 provide data to (output) and receive data from (input),respectively, the suspension controller 240. Preferably, outputconnection 312 sends a user selected function/mode data signal from themaster controller 300 to the suspension controller 240, which thesuspension controller 240 uses to determine its mode of operation. Theinput connection 314 preferably provides the master controller 300 withheight data, mode data, and/or air data from the suspension controller240.

In addition, master controller 300 is provided to accept multiple inputsfrom various sources including, an input via data connection 307 from aremotely entered ride-height setpoint 303 that may be set, for example,by a user or may be associated with the mode of operation. Additionally,it is contemplated that master controller 300 may be provided with afluid dump signal 311 via data connection 313. Alternatively, the fluiddump signal may be provided to suspension controller 240 (shown indashed line—data connection 313′) and provided via data connection 314from suspension controller 240 to master controller 300. In one example,a fluid dump may be caused by actuation of fluid dump device (a buttonin the cab of a tractor). Actuation of a fluid dump causes fluid fromthe airbags 128 to be exhausted at a maximum rate, which may bedesirable to drop the height of the trailer such that the floor of thetrailer comes level with the floor of a loading ramp for the trailer tobe unloaded. However, actuation of a fluid dump will function tooverride the control of the suspension controller to maintain the heightof the trailer to a selected ride height. Still further, mastercontroller 300 may be provided with an input via data connection 305from a brake system controller 301. Brake system controller 301 mayprovide an Automatic Braking System (ABS) signal and/or an ElectronicBraking System (EBS) signal. The master controller 300 can then processall of the input data provided to enhance control of the vehiclesuspension system.

The height sensor 144 comprises a power connection 316 that provideselectrical power from the suspension controller 240 to the height sensor144. A data connection 318 supplies an input signal to the suspensioncontroller 240 that is indicative of the current height of the vehicle.

The valve assembly 212 comprises a power connection 320 that provideselectrical power from the suspension controller 240 to the valveassembly 212. A data connection 322 supplies an input signal to thesuspension controller 240 that is indicative of the position of thedynamic disk relative to the stationary disk. A drive connection 323supplies a data signal from the suspension controller 240 to the valveassembly 212 for controlling the operation of electric motor 224. Aspreviously described, the inlet port 216 of height control valve 116 isfluidly connected to a pressurized air reservoir 304 for the vehicle.Similarly, operation port 218 is fluidly connected to the air spring124. Exhaust port 220 is fluidly connected to the atmosphere.

A power connection 324 supplies power from the suspension controller 240to the sensor 302. As with the other sensors, a data connection 326provides the suspension controller 240 with an input signal indicativeof the arm 142 position. Many suitable sensors are available for and arecurrently used to sense the position of arm 142. Given that arm 142 isactuated by the release of pressurized air from the air-operated parkingbrakes, a common sensor is a pressure switch that outputs an electricalsignal when the air is exhausted from the parking brakes.

The suspension controller 240 includes a memory, preferably anon-volatile memory that contains the necessary logic for operating thevehicle suspension, especially the control of the vehicle height. Thecontroller 240 also incorporates a filtering algorithm that is used toprocess the data received from the height sensor 144 to eliminatefrequent changes, which are normally indicative of temporary heightchanges and thereby avoid adjusting the vehicle height unnecessarily.Expansion joints in the road surface and other repeating ornon-repeating aberrations are examples of frequent changes in thevehicle height for which it is not desirable to alter the ride height ofthe vehicle.

The need to avoid unnecessarily adjusting the vehicle height isimportant to the operation of the vehicle. Governmental regulationsrequire that the brake air line be separated from all other air lines,including the suspension air line. On most vehicles there are just twoair lines or air systems: a brake air line and a suspension air line,which also supplies air to any air-operated accessories. Most airsystems draw the pressurized air for both systems from the same airreservoir 304 by using a valve (pressure protection valve) that providesair only to the brake air line once the pressure in the air reservoirdrops below a predetermined amount. If the vehicle height is adjustedunnecessarily, such as in response to temporary height changes, it ispossible to draw pressurized air from the air reservoir 304 at a rategreater than the on-board compressor can re-fill the air-reservoir,leading to a premature and unnecessary shut down of the height controlsystem, until the air pressure is raised above the threshold value.

In operation, the vehicle user initially selects the operating mode ofthe suspension, which is then transmitted to the suspension controller240. The mode selection can include a predetermined vehicle rightheight. Alternatively, the preferred ride height and an input by a usercan be set equal to the current ride height. Once the initial operatingmode and the vehicle ride height is set, control of the suspension 114is then passed off to the suspension controller 240. However, it shouldbe noted that the system is provided with remote setpoint 303 where theuser can, for example, manually set a setpoint as desired.

Although the suspension controller 240 can control many suspensionrelated operations, for purposes of the height control system accordingto the current invention, the most relevant operation controlled by thesuspension controller 240 is the control of the vehicle ride height inresponse to the ride height data supplied by the height sensor 144 andthe corresponding adjustment of the vehicle ride height by controllingthe volume of the area in air bags 128 of air springs 124. Thesuspension controller 240 preferably receives a stream of ride heightdata from the height sensor 144 through the data connection 318. Thestream of ride height data is analyzed by the suspension controller 240to monitor both the high frequency and low frequency changes in the rideheight. Preferably, the suspension controller 240 applies a filter tothe stream of ride height data to remove data points related to highfrequency changes in the vehicle ride height, which are typicallyintroduced by phenomena that do not warrant a change in the current rideheight.

The filtered ride height data is then monitored and compared against thereference vehicle ride height. Once the change in the current rideheight exceeds the reference ride height by a predetermined amount“Delta,” the suspension controller 240 adjusts the current vehicle rideheight accordingly by either introducing or exhausting pressurized airfrom the air spring 124. Usually, the current ride height is monitoredover a predetermined time period “Sample Time” to insure that the changein the current ride height relative to the reference ride height is nottransient. If the current ride height exceeds Delta for the Sample Time,it is normally an indication that there has been a permanent change inthe vehicle ride height and that the current ride height, should beadjusted to the reference ride height. It is worth noting that theabsolute value of Delta is normally the same regardless of whether thecurrent ride height is above or below the reference ride height.However, it is within the scope of the invention for Delta to have adifferent value depending on whether or not the current ride height isabove or below the reference ride height. It should also be noted thatthe value for Delta is typically user defined and can vary depending onthe vehicle, suspension, operating environment or other factors.

If the current ride height is above the reference ride height an amountgreater than Delta for the Sample Time, the current ride height is toohigh and must be lowered to the reference ride height. To move thesuspension to the reference ride height, the suspension controller 240sends a control signal along connection 323 to the valve assembly 212 toenergize the motor 224 and thereby effect of the rotation of the dynamicdisk 273 to move the valve to the exhaust position where the operationport 216 is in fluid communication with the exhaust port 212 to exhaustair from air bags 128 and lower the current ride height to the referenceheight. The suspension controller 240 continues to receive height datafrom the height sensor 144 while the air is being exhausted from air bag128 through the valve assembly 212. When the suspension controller 240determines from the height data that the current vehicle heightsubstantially equals the reference ride height, the suspensioncontroller 240 sends a control signal to the motor 224 to move thedynamic shear disk 273 back to the neutral position to stop theexhaustion of air from air bag 128.

If the current ride height is below the reference ride height an amountgreater than Delta for the Sample Time, the current ride height is toolow and must be raised to the reference ride height. To move thesuspension to the reference ride height, the suspension controller 240sends a control signal along connection 323 to the valve assembly 212 toenergize the motor 224 and thereby effect of the rotation of the dynamicdisk 273 to place the valve in the fill position where the operationport 218 is in fluid communication with the inlet port 216 to introduceair to air bags 128 and raise the current ride height to the referenceride height. The suspension controller 240 continues to receive heightdata from the height sensor 144 while the air is being introduced intoair bag 128 through the valve assembly 212. When the suspensioncontroller 240 determines from the height data that the current vehicleheight substantially equals the reference ride height, the suspensioncontroller 240 sends a control signal to the motor 224 to move thedynamic shear disk 273 back to the neutral position to stop theintroduction of air into air bag 128.

Preferably, the suspension controller 240, through its program logic,monitors the rate of change of the ride height as it approaches thereference ride height to avoid overshooting the reference ride height,which if great enough, might require further adjustment of the vehicleride height in the opposite direction. In a worst case scenario, thiscould lead to a yo-yo effect where the ride height continuously movesabove and below the reference height, which would most likely lead to adrop of the air pressure in the air reservoir 304 below the thresholdvalue.

Although there are many ways in which the suspension controller 240 cansend a control signal to the valve assembly 212 to effect the actuationof the electric motor 224 to control the position of the dynamic disk273 and thereby control the introduction and exhaustion of pressurizedair from air bag 128, it is preferred that the suspension controller 240and a control signal have either a positive or negative voltage. Thesign of the voltage signal may, for instance, correspondingly controlthe forward or reverse operation of electric motor 224. In combinationwith the positive or negative voltage signal, the suspension controller240 receives a data stream along connection 322 regarding the positionof the dynamic shear disk 273. The position information is used todetermine the position of the dynamic shear disk 273 and provide thesuspension controller 240 with the information needed to determine theappropriate sign of the voltage signal needed to move the dynamic sheardisk 273 to the needed location to place the valve in the fill, neutral,or exhaust position.

FIG. 15 illustrates a second embodiment height sensor 440 for use withthe invention. The height sensor 440 is similar in many ways to thefirst embodiment height sensor, therefore like numerals will be used toidentify like parts and only the major distinctions between the firstand second embodiments will be discussed in detail. The height sensor440 comprises a light emitter 470 that is mounted to the external shaft160 and emits a diffracted light pattern onto a light sensor 490. Thelight emitter 470 comprises a block 472 having a light chamber 474 anddiffraction slit 476 optically connecting the light chamber 474 to theexterior of the block 472. A light emitter, such as an LED or diodelaser is disposed within the light chamber 474. A collimating lens isdisposed between the light source 478 and the diffraction slit 476.

A light sensor assembly 490 comprises an optical bridge 496 havingspaced light sensors 498, 500. The optical bridge 490 is not enclosedwithin a housing as was the first embodiment. Also, there is no diffuserelement positioned between the optical bridge 496 and the light emitter470.

The light emitter 470 emits a diffraction pattern as illustrated by thedashed line B. The dashed line B represents the intensity of the lightrelative to the light sensors 498, 500. As can be seen, in the referenceposition as illustrated in FIG. 7, the greatest intensity of thediffraction pattern is substantially centered between the light sensors498, 500. The light sensors 498, 500 are preferably positioned so thatthey see the portion of the diffraction pattern that is approximately50% of the maximum intensity. As the external shaft 460 rotates inresponse to the change in the vehicle height, the diffraction patternmoves laterally relative to the optical bridge 496 as illustrated bydiffraction pattern C. The movement of the diffraction pattern altersthe intensity of light as seen by the sensors 498, 500. The opticalbridge 496 outputs a voltage signal that corresponds to the intensity ascurrently seen by the optical sensors 498, 500. This output signal isprocessed in the same manner as the output signal for the firstembodiment as previously described.

For the second embodiment, it is preferred that the light emitter beeither a high output narrow band infrared LED (approximately 940 nm) oran infrared diode laser. The light from the light emitter is preferablymatched or optimized with the sensitivity of the light sensors 498, 500,which may comprise for example, photoconductive cells, infrared photodiodes, or infrared photo-voltaic cells.

It is also important to the invention that the light emitted by thelight emitter 470 be collimated and then emitted through a slit togenerate the diffraction pattern. Therefore, the shape of the slit mustbe precisely controlled to obtain the diffraction pattern. For example,if a light emitter emits a wavelength of 940 nm, then the slit should beon the order of 0.00005 m to 0.0001 m. The light leaving the slit 476should travel a distance that is relatively large compared to the slitbefore contacting the optical bridge. In the above example for instance,a distance of 5 cm is sufficient.

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate a third embodiment height sensor 540 in theenvironment of the trailing arm suspension and vehicle shown in FIG. 1.The third embodiment sensor 540 is substantially identical to the firstembodiment, except that the height sensor 540 monitors the height changein the trailing arm 118 instead of the rotational change of the trailingarm 118 to assess the change in the height of the vehicle frame from areference position. Therefore, like parts in the third embodiment ascompared to the first and second embodiments will be identified by likenumerals. For example, the height sensor 540 can use the same lightemitter 570 and light sensor assembly 190 as disclosed in the firstembodiment.

The main difference between the height sensor 540 and the height sensor440 is that the light emitter 570 is fixed and a transversely movingFresnel lens 542 is positioned between the light emitter 570 and thelight sensor assembly 190. The Fresnel lens 542 is mechanically coupledto the trailing arm 118 by a link 544. As the trailing arm pivotsrelative to the frame bracket 122, the link 544 reciprocates relative tothe height sensor 540 and moves the Fresnel lens 542 relative to thefixed position of the light emitter 170 and the light sensor assembly190.

As is well known, a fresnel lens 542 comprises a series of concentricrings 548, with each ring having a face or reflecting surface that isoriented at a different angle such that light striking the planarsurface 546 of the Fresnel lens passes through the lens and is focusedby the concentric rings to a predetermined focal point.

In the height sensor 540, the planar surface 546 of the Fresnel lens 542faces the light emitter 170 and the concentric rings 548 face thediffuser element 394 of the light sensor assembly 190. Therefore, lightemitted from the light emitter 170 and striking the planar surface 546of the Fresnel lens is focused by the concentric rings to a point on thediffuser element 194. The angular orientation of the refracting surfacesgenerated by the concentric grooves is selected so that the lightemitted from the light emitter is focused at the location of thediffuser element 194.

As the trailing arm 118 moves relative to the vehicle, the Fresnel lens542 moves laterally relative to the diffuser element to change thelocation of the focal point on the diffuser and thereby change theintensity of light as seen by the light sensors 398, 400. The point oflight contacting the diffuser element 194 after passing through theFresnel lens 542 is processed in substantially the same manner asdescribed for the first embodiment.

FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate a fourth embodiment height sensor 640according to the invention. The fourth embodiment height sensor 640 issimilar to the first and third embodiments in that it responds to therotational motion of the trailing arm 118 relative to the vehicle frame114. The height sensor 640 is different in that it relies on a change incapacitance to generate a control signal for determining the change inheight of the vehicle frame relative to the trailing arm 118.

The height sensor 640 has a variable capacitor comprising a set ofspaced stationary plates 644 between which is disposed a set of moveableplates 646, which forms a capacitor bridge circuit 642. The stationaryplates 644 are formed by a pair of opposing semi-circles 648, with eachsemi-circle being mounted to a support tube 650. The semi-circularplates 648 are mounted the support tube 650 in such manner that they arespaced slightly from each other to effectively divide the stationaryplates 644 into a first and second series 652, 654, respectively. Thefirst and second series 652, 654 are electrically distinct. The moveableplates 646 have a sector or pie-wedge shape and are mounted to arotatable control shaft 656 that is mounted within the support tube 650and connected to the external shaft 160 so that rotation of the shaftresults in the rotation of the moveable plates 646 relative to thestationary plates 644.

In the preferred referenced position, the moveable plates 646 arepositioned relative to the first and second series 652, 654 of thestationary plates 644 so that the gap between the first and secondseries 652, 654 is approximately centered relative to the moveableplate. The space between the stationary plates and moveable plates ispreferably filled by a suitable dielectric material.

In operation, as the trailing arm 118 rotates relative to the vehicleframe 114 in response to a change in height of the vehicle, the externalshaft 160 rotates the control shaft 656 correspondingly, which moves themoveable plates 646 relative to the first and second series 652, 654 ofsemi-circular plates. As the moving plates cover more area on one seriesof semi-circular plates, the capacitance on that series of semi-circularplates increases, resulting in a capacitive differential between thefirst and second series of plates. The difference in capacitance isrelated to the magnitude of the height change and is outputted by theheight sensor for use in adjusting the height of the vehicle.

FIG. 20 illustrates a fifth embodiment height sensor 740 according tothe invention. Unlike the first through fourth embodiments, the heightsensor 740 is not directly connected to the trailing arm 118. Instead,the height sensor 740 is located within the interior of air spring 124.The height sensor 740 comprises a spring plate 742 having one endconnected to the top plate 125 of air spring 124 and another portionconnected to the piston 123 of air spring 124. A flexible variableresister 744 is fixed to the spring plate 742. The flexible variableresister is well known and described in detail in U.S. Pat. No.5,086,785, which is incorporated by reference. The flexible resister 744varies its resistance as it is bent.

The characteristic of the flexible variable resister 744 changing itsresistance in response to its bending is used to indicate the amount ofheight change in the vehicle relative to a reference position. Forexample, as the height of the vehicle changes in response to the loadingor unloading of the vehicle, airbag 128 will correspondingly compress orexpand, resulting in a bending of the spring plate 742 and the flexiblevariable resister 744. The change in the resistance of the flexiblevariable resister 744 then becomes an indicator of the degree of heightchange.

For consistency, it is important that the flexible variable resister 744repeatedly bend in the same manner. The spring plate 742 provides a basefor the flexible variable resister 744 and aids in the repeatedconsistent bending of the flexible variable resister 744.

FIG. 21 illustrates a sixth embodiment height sensor 840 according tothe invention. The height sensor 840 is similar to the height sensor 740in that it uses a flexible variable resistor 744 which is wrapped aboutthe coils of a helical or coil spring 842. The coil spring 842 isdisposed within the interior of the shock absorber 138.

The shock absorber comprises an exterior cover 844 that is moveablymounted, to and overlies a cylinder 846 from which extends a pistonshaft 848, which also extends through the cover 844. The coil spring 842is wrapped around the piston shaft 848 and has one end attached to thecover 844 and another end attached to an upper portion of the cylinder846.

The height sensor 840 functions substantially identically to the heightsensor 740 in that as the trailing arm 118 rotates relative to thevehicle frame 114, the shock absorber cover 844 reciprocates relative tothe housing 846 to compress or expand the coil spring 842, which bendsthe flexible variable resistor 744. As with the height sensor 740, thebending of the flexible variable resistor 744 and the height sensor 840results in the height sensor 840 outputting a signal that corresponds tothe relative movement of the vehicle frame 114 and trailing arm 118.

FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate a seventh embodiment height sensor 940according to the invention and also in the context of a shock absorber138. The distinction between the seventh embodiment height sensor 940and the sixth embodiment height sensor 840 is that a spring plate 942 isused in place of the coil spring 842. The spring plate 942 is retainedwithin a separate chamber 645 formed in the cover 844 of the shockabsorber.

As with the height sensor 740 the spring plate 942 of the height sensorcan have various initially bent shapes. For example, the spring plate asdisclosed in the height sensor 740 has a predominately C-shaped profilewhereas the spring plate 942 has a half period of a sine wave profileor, in other words, inch-worm-like profile. The profile can just aseasily be an S-shape oriented either vertically or horizontally ormultiple sinusoidal waves.

Although the invention has been described with reference to a particulararrangement of parts, features and the like, these are not intended toexhaust all possible arrangements or features, and indeed many othermodifications and variations will be ascertainable to those of skill inthe art.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic suspension system for a vehiclecomprising: a sensor that senses a distance between a vehicle axle and avehicle frame and generates a sensor signal indicating a vehicle rideheight relative to a reference ride height; a valve having an inlet portcoupled to a source of pressurized fluid, an operating port coupled to afluid bag positioned between the vehicle axle and the vehicle frame, andan exhaust port coupled to atmosphere; a motor coupled to said valve forselectively actuating the valve between a fill position where the inletport is fluidly coupled to the operating port, an exhaust position wherethe operating port is fluidly coupled to the exhaust port, and a neutralposition where the respective ports are fluidly isolated from eachother; a suspension controller coupled to said sensor and receiving thesensor signal, said suspension controller coupled to said motor; amaster controller coupled to said suspension controller; a plurality ofinputs provided to said master controller, said plurality of inputscomprising: a brake system signal generated by a brake system andcoupled to said master controller, said brake system signal selectedfrom the group consisting of: an Automatic Braking System (ABS) signal,an Electronic Braking System (EBS) signal and combinations thereof; afluid dump signal indicative of an action to dump fluid from the fluidbag; a remotely entered ride-height setpoint; said master controllertransmitting a function/mode signal to said suspension controller basedupon at least one of the plurality of inputs, which said suspensioncontroller uses to determine a mode of operation; wherein when the fluiddump is received by the master controller, the function/mode signal sentto the suspension controller comprises a signal to cause said suspensioncontroller to dump fluid from the air bag; wherein when said suspensioncontroller receives the signal indicative of a fluid dump, saidsuspension controller causes said valve to fully open such that theexhaust port fluidly coupled to the fluid bag and fluid is exhaustedfrom the fluid bag.
 2. The electronic suspension system according toclaim 1 wherein said suspension controller generates an output signal,the output signal is generated based on the received sensor signal andthe brake system signal transmitted from said master controller and onthe mode of operation of the suspension controller, wherein said outputsignal is sent to said motor for controlling said valve.
 3. Theelectronic suspension system according to claim 1 further comprising abrake system controller generating said brake system signal, said brakesystem controller coupled to said master controller.
 4. The electronicsuspension system according to claim 1 wherein said suspensioncontroller is selected from the group consisting of: a microprocessor, aprogrammable logic device, a configurable logic device, and combinationsthereof.
 5. The electronic suspension system according to claim 1wherein said sensor comprises a transducer selected from the groupconsisting of: an optical sensor, a Hall Effect sensor, a magneticsensor, a variable resistance sensor or an ultrasonic sensor.
 6. Theelectronic suspension system according to claim 1 further comprising aplate coupled to said motor via a gearing, said motor moving said platein a first rotational direction and a second rotational directionopposite to the first rotational direction to selectively actuate thevalve between the fill, exhaust and neutral positions.
 7. The electronicsuspension system according to claim 1 wherein said sensor sends astream of ride height data to said controller, which is analyzed tomonitor high and low frequency changes in the vehicle ride height. 8.The electronic suspension system according to claim 7 further comprisinga filter to selectively filter out data points associated with periodicchanges in the vehicle ride height.
 9. The electronic suspension systemaccording to claim 9 further comprising a threshold value against whichthe filtered ride height data is compared, where the vehicle ride heightis adjusted when the filtered ride height data exceeds the thresholdlevel.
 10. The electronic suspension system according to claim 9 furthercomprising a threshold period of time such that if the filtered rideheight data exceeds the threshold value for the threshold period, thevehicle ride height is adjusted.
 11. The electronic suspension systemaccording to claim 1 wherein said suspension controller comprises acontrol logic to maintain a vehicle ride height at a reference rideheight.
 12. The electronic suspension system according to claim 1wherein the operating mode of the suspension controller is initiallyselectable by a user.
 13. The electronic suspension system according toclaim 1 wherein the operating mode is selectable and includes apredetermined vehicle ride height.
 14. The electronic suspension systemaccording to claim 1 wherein the operating mode is selectable and acurrent ride height may be set.
 15. A method for controlling a vehiclesuspension comprising the steps of: coupling a sensor to a controller;measuring a vehicle ride height with the sensor and generating a streamof ride height data indicative thereof; transmitting the stream of rideheight data to the controller; coupling a motor to the controller;coupling the motor to a valve, the valve having ports coupled to asource of pressurized fluid, a fluid bag and to atmosphere; analyzingthe stream of ride height data to monitor high and low frequency changesin the vehicle ride height; filtering out data points associated withperiodic changes in the vehicle ride height; comparing the filtered rideheight data against a threshold value to determine if the filtered rideheight data exceeds the threshold level; and selectively actuating themotor to selectively move the valve based on the filtered ride heightdata to couple between: the source of pressurized fluid and the fluidbag in a fill position, to fluid bag and atmosphere in an exhaustposition, and to fluid isolate the source of pressurized fluid, thefluid bag and atmosphere from each other in a neutral position.
 16. Themethod of claim 15 further comprising the step of comparing the filteredride height data against a threshold period of time to determine of thefiltered ride height data exceeds the threshold value for the thresholdperiod.
 17. The method of claim 15 further comprising the step ofreceiving a brake system signal selected from the group consisting of:an Automatic Braking System (ABS) signal, an Electronic Braking System(EBS) signal and combinations thereof.
 18. The method of claim 15further comprising the step of selectively transmitting a remotesetpoint to the controller.
 19. The method of claim 15 wherein thesensor comprises a transducer selected from the group consisting of: anoptical sensor, a Hall Effect sensor, a magnetic sensor, a variableresistance sensor, ultrasonic sensor and combinations thereof.